FOUR friends hailing from Haslemere, Liphook and Petersfield battled through torrential rain to walk 60 miles in less than 30 hours along the South Down’s Way in aid of Oxfam GB and the Gurkha Welfare Trust.

Despite the deep mud and limited visibility, they completed the challenge in 29 hours and 26 minutes. But they were one down at the finish, after Iain had to pull out after 40 miles with a torn muscle.

Andy, from Haslemere, said: “It’s one of the toughest challenges I’ve ever competed in but it’s for a great cause.

“The South Downs Way is a particularly unforgiving route and 100 kilometres is a massive task in that weather so we are really proud of all of our efforts.”

Pete added: “The team were brilliant throughout and even when we were all so incredibly tired approaching the final checkpoints we supported each other to make sure we got over that finish line and to see Iain at the end was fantastic as well.

“A huge thank-you must go to all the people that sponsored us and to our support team without whom it would’ve been much more difficult to reach the end.”

The team have raised over £2,300 so far but would welcome extra donations at: www.justgiving.com/ companyteams/ strollingundertheinfluence or by texting SUTI65 £10 to 70070 to donate £10.